Changed travel regulations during and after the corona pandemic
Entry and exit without a valid reason have been possible again since May 17, 2021, but different entry restrictions apply to entry into England. Countries are divided into different colored categories (lists), from “green” to “amber” (currently Germany) to “red”.
“Green”: online registration, COVID-19 test before entry, 1 further test before / on day 2, no quarantine
“Amber”: Online registration, COVID-19 test before entry, 2 further tests before / on day 2 and on / after day 8 after entry, quarantine at home for 10 days with the option of free testing on day 5 after entry.
“Red”: online registration, test before entry, 2 further tests before / on day 2 and on / after day 8 after entry, hotel quarantine for 10 days.
These rules also apply to entry into Scotland. However, there is no possibility of “free testing” on the 5th day after entry. Details can be found on the Scottish Government website.
Complete vaccination protection does not yet release you from the aforementioned obligations. Similar entry restrictions have been in place since April 1, 2021 in Wales and since April 16, 2021 in Northern Ireland. Visit shoe-wiki for United Kingdom Travel Overview.
A negative COVID-19 test must be presented on all entries to England from all countries with the exception of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey, which must not be older than three days upon entry. PCR tests, RT lamp tests and antigen tests (“lateral flow test”) are recognized.
The negative test certificate, in English, French or Spanish (a translation is not sufficient), must be presented before the start of the journey (before boarding the plane, ferry and train). Children under the age of 11 are exempt from the test. The UK government provides further details. Travelers entering England without a negative COVID-19 test should face a fine of at least £ 500.
Entrants to England and travelers traveling to Wales via England who have stayed in a country on the ” red list ” in the last 10 days prior to entry must, in addition to the COVID-19 test prior to entry, be in hotel quarantine for 10 days in Graduate from Great Britain. During the hotel stay, further tests will take place on the second and eighth day after entry.
The hotel must be pre- booked through a UK government website. Accommodation, meals and testing during the quarantine cost £ 1,750. Information can be found on the UK Government website. Violations of the quarantine obligation in a hotel and also false information regarding the stay in a country on the ” red list ” in the 10 days before entry can be punished with a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Entrants to England and travelers traveling to Wales via England must book two additional tests in addition to the COVID-19 test before entry: one before or on the second day after entry and another test on or after the eighth day after entry. The booking must be proven before / upon entry and is subject to a fee.
Carriers are not allowed to travel to the UK without proof of booking further tests after entry. Information on post-immigration testing and which providers are allowed can be found on the UK government website.
A compulsory COVID-19 test applies to all truck drivers entering England after entry for stays of more than 48 hours, every further 72 hours up to two additional tests.
For entries from Germany to England, and if you have not been in a country on the “ red list ” in the 10 days prior to entry, you have the option of exempting yourself from quarantine after five days. A negative COVID-19 test is required. The test is chargeable and must be performed at a laboratory licensed by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Even if you are released from quarantine, the test on the eighth day remains mandatory. Expect costs of £ 80 to £ 300 / test. Please contact the UK government for more information.
The obligation to register electronically prior to entry applies to all immigrants. This is intended to enable the British authorities to enable a follow-up in the event of discovered corona infections. Therefore a lot of information including the means of transport and the place must be given.
The electronic registration takes place exclusively on the Internet at the earliest 48 hours before entry. Upon entry, proof of registration must then be provided. Violations of the registration obligation can be punished with sensitive, regionally different fines. If you have any queries, please call the UK Government on +44 800 678 1767 Monday through Friday.
The quarantine does not apply to travelers who are coming from Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man and who have stayed there in the 14 days prior to entry. In addition, there are exceptions to the aforementioned entry restrictions for a number of professions and activities.
General provisions for travel and residence (until the corona pandemic)
As a citizen of the EU, Switzerland or as an EEA citizen (Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein), entry into the UK takes place with a valid identity card or passport. For entry to a stay of 90 days is no visa required. Despite Brexit, nothing will change in this regard until December 31, 2020.
ATTENTION: Separate entry requirements apply to the British overseas territories. See British Overseas Territories further down the page.
If you are a citizen of a non-EU country but live in an EU country, you need a visa and a residence permit to enter the country.
Children up to the age of 15 can be entered in their parents’ passport and can travel with them. From the age of 16 they must have their own identity card or passport. Children’s ID cards with a picture are also valid for entry. If the nationality stated in the child ID card is not that of an EU country, a visa is also required.
Customs regulations
Currency
Regardless of the amount, there is no obligation to declare when entering and leaving from or to another EU country. If you are entering or leaving a non-EU country, you must declare cash, checks and bills of exchange (in some countries also precious metals and gemstones) over EUR 10,000.
Other goods
Regarding alcohol and tobacco, there are no restrictions on importing or exporting to an EU country. However, the border officials reserve the right to ask you questions about the reason for the amounts if they exceed the amounts listed below.
